Dnata ramped up recycling programme in both of its Dubai airport hubs

11 September 2017

Dnata has ramped up its recycling programme for its fleet of 12,000 GSE units in both of its Dubai airport hubs (DXB and DWC). Since the launch of the recycling programme in 2017, more than 80 GSE units have been renewed at Dnata’s GSE maintenance base, reducing waste by 110 t while passing all safety and quality checks. The projection for 2017 is an estimated 140 pieces of GSE being recycled, saving the company approximately more than USD 3.5 million, and reducing waste by 250 t. As GSE units reached the end of their life, they were previously replaced with newer versions. However, given the sturdy and enduring nature of the machinery, the GSE mostly simply required a mechanical overhaul to be put back into service. The Dnata GSE maintenance facility, located at DXB, spans 36,000 m² and employs 1,145 team members who carefully check the GSE for any faults before replacing parts that need renewing, thereby extending their lifespan to up to 18 years. Other initiatives for a greener operation also include the conversion of all forklifts in Dnata’s cargo operations to electric. Out of a fleet of 102 forklifts in Dubai, some 73 are already electric, with the rest being diesel powered. The plan is to replace all current diesel forklifts by the end of 2017 with electric alternatives, reducing the carbon footprint at Dnata’s cargo operations by 80%, generating fuel savings of up to 200,000 l per year.